Forklift Controls
Among the most common pieces of machines you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile equipment consist of a vehicle together with two pronged forks at the front that are capable of hauling and carrying bulky objects.
The regular lift truck is built to function and move in small spaces and is able to carry items to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still extremely dangerous machinery and should be utilized in a safe way all the time, after proper training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners manual after acquiring a new forklift to help you get familiar with the controls. The guidebook will feature the specific location of every control and the functions it has. The majority of forklifts have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the height of the fork. In order to make the forks go down, the lever must be pushed forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
The forklift's second lever is used to tilt the forks allowing for better distribution of weight across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep things stable and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Moreover, it helps items slide off in a more balanced way when unloading.
In order to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and to be able to tilt the forks forward, you simply push the lever forward. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Every one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced drivers must take advantage of qualified coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is off and not being used. Ask the qualified professional if you have any questions about how something works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is normally the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that to be able to make the equipment go, you use the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of lift trucks. There are some types of hydrostatic forklifts that are outfitted with battery powered engines which turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.